Volvo XC40 R-Design unveiled in Singapore, please come to Malaysia!

Our neighbours across the causeway can finally purchase the Volvo XC40 after its official unveiling here at the 2018 Singapore Motor Show. The new compact crossover from the Swedish premium carmaker comes dressed in the sporty R-Design for the Singaporean market.

Based on the company’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the XC40 is the brand’s most compact SUV yet. Visually, it gets all the Volvo signature styling such as Thor’s Hammer headlamps, side mirror design and taillamp graphics. The R-Design adds on a sportier body kit, larger wheels and a blacked-out roof with imprinted R-Design badge.

The cabin is typically Volvo too with the iPad style Sensus touchscreen display, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with paddle shifters, LCD instrument cluster and a leather gear selector with a design similar to the Orrefors gear knob on T8 models. The XC40 can be had in a wide range of interior themes – the model displayed comes with a black with orange (tan?) contrast for the floor and door inserts. Interestingly the orange inserts are made from high-quality fabric commonly found in top grade furniture.

This particular unit is the T5 AWD variant which packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 247 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Drive is sent to all four-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the question of whether the all-new Volvo XC40 will be introduced in Malaysia, we can expect Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) to be keen on bringing this compact SUV in. However, considering that the XC40 has yet to hit the roads of Europe, it may be some time before its heading our way.